Browns GM Andrew Berry: ‘Nothing Nefarious’ In Deshaun Watson’s Achilles Re-Tear

Following a storm of online musings from an increasingly hostile Cleveland Browns fanbase, general manager Andrew Berry clarified that quarterback Deshaun Watson‘s injury setback was not a result of unsanctioned activities.

Watson’s 2024 NFL season ended, as has become customary, with a whimper. He tore his Achilles tendon in Week 7, following an uninspiring first several games that featured a career-low QBR of 23.1. That season, of course, followed a series of sexual assault allegations, a massive and controversial 2022 trade between the Browns and the Houston Texans to acquire Watson in the first place, and two underwhelming seasons cut short by injury or suspension.

The spectacular failure of the Watson experiment has vindicated fans who hated his acquisition and frustrated those who hoped for success. It’s unsurprising that, when Berry revealed in January that Watson had suffered a “setback” in his recovery, Watson’s commitment and viability as a quarterback were extensively questioned.

When asked about the situation during media availability at the NFL Combine, Berry waved off any concerns.

“Yeah, so obviously Deshaun, he reinjured his Achilles. Unfortunately, he turned his foot [or] ankle that caused the re-tear during the normal stages of the recovery process,” Berry said. “I know there’s been a lot of speculation and everything out there, but there’s nothing nefarious. It’s just an unfortunate accident.”

“So, our focus is on making sure that he gets healthy and can be back to normal.”

Berry also added that Watson’s return timetable is uncertain, but that he will miss “significant time.” This may be a cheering prospect for fans rooting for the $44.3 million in contract insurance the Browns could recoup if Watson doesn’t play in 2025.

With or without Watson, the Browns lack a viable top quarterback. The good news is that they finished 3-14 in 2024, securing them the second overall pick, which could become Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders.

The bad news? Cleveland is eons away from being a genuinely good team, and they’ve got holes at a multitude of positions other than quarterback. And as long as Watson’s massive contract sits in their books, their odds of filling those positions in free agency are slim to none.

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Article by Katherine Manz